Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jakeem Grant (19) runs with the football during the first quarter of the game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium in the 2021 season. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Ranking the 10 Best Dolphins Sixth-Round Picks

Originally posted on Miami Dolphins on SI
By Alain Poupart | Last updated Apr 15, 2026 10:36 AM ET

The Miami Dolphins have had their share of hits and misses in the draft through the years, which makes them just like any other franchise around the NFL.

The Dolphins have had some notable hits in the sixth round, even though they haven't been as successful there as the fifth round, a list highlighted by 1983 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Doug Betters and returner extraordinaire JakeemGrant. Since the start of the "common draft" in 1967, the Dolphins have made 69 sixth-round selections, starting with tight end Bud Norris in 1967 all the way to running back Ollie Gordon II last year.

Here is a ranking of the top 10 sixth-round picks, judged not solely on Dolphins career but rather what kind of NFL player the prospect became.

THE TOP 10 DOLPHINS SIXTH-ROUND PICKS

1. DE Doug Betters, 1978, 163rd overall

Betters was just about the best pass rusher in the NFL for a two-year period, with 16 sacks in his NFL Defensive Player of the Year and following it with 14 the next season. He wound up starting more than 100 games for Miami.

2. G Ed Newman, 1973, 156th overall

A strong argument could be made for Newman getting the top spot considering he made the Pro Bowl in each of his final four seasons (1981-84) with the team.

3. P Reggie Roby, 1983, 167th overall

The 1983 draft obviously is remember for the selection of Dan Marino in Round 1, but landing one of the best punters in NFL history in the sixth round also was good work by the Dolphins.

4. S Yeremiah Bell, 2003, 213th overall

Coming from a lower-level program, Eastern Kentucky, Bell became a starter in his third season with the Dolphins and earned a Pro Bowl invitation in 2009.

5. WR/KR Jakeem Grant, 2016, 186th overall

Grant, who recently officially announced his retirement, was plain and simple the best kick returner in franchise history because he was dynamic on both punts and kickoffs. That he didn't succeed more as a wide receiver is the only reason he's not higher on this list.

6. TE Charles Clay, 2011, 174th overall

Clay did a little bit of everything on offense at Tulsa before the Dolphins snagged him in the sixth round, but he found a home as a tight end/H-back in the NFL and was a valuable member of the offense until he left to join the Buffalo Bills as a free agent.

7. LB Steve Towle, 1975, 143rd overall

In his second season — like Clay out of Tulsa — Towle set a Dolphins single-season record with 216 tackles in a forgettable 6-8 finish.

8. RB Ron Davenport, 1985, 167th overall

Davenport made an immediate impact with 11 rushing touchdowns in his rookie season and was a solid short-yardage runner for five years.

9. S Shawn Wooden, 1996, 189th overall

Part of Jimmy Johnson's first draft class with the Dolphins, Wooden spent seven seasons with Miami in two stints and was a starter his first two years.